AUBURN, Ala. – When the unmarked police SUV pulled into the parking lot Saturday night, they were waiting. Fans flocked to the windows and spilled out of the restaurant, smart phone video rolling. And then they formed a line to pose for pictures.

It wasn’t chaos. The Auburn fans were respectful and polite when approaching Gus Malzahn – maybe in part because of the presence of the two Alabama state troopers and an Auburn police officer – but there was always one more photo request, another handshake, all punctuated with, “War Eagle!”

The hottest coaching candidate of the current carousel was finally locked up Saturday, when he chose UCLA over Florida. He’d earlier turned away interest from Tennessee and Nebraska. And when he finally did the same to the pitch from Florida – the job widely considered to be the best available – it seemed at least slightly odd.

It shouldn’t have. And it didn’t have anything to do with any worries about competing in the SEC (first of all, we’re talking here about the SEC East, OK?). If nothing else, Kelly is supremely confident in his ability. Drop him into any situation, he figures he’ll win.

But he had no desire to willingly jump into a fishbowl. That scene Malzahn encountered Saturday night? Consider a parallel situation:

Let’s say sometime in the not so distant future, UCLA beats Southern California by a couple of touchdowns to win the Pac-12 South and put itself into position for the College Football Playoff. Afterward, Kelly decides to go out to eat with a few friends – we’ll go with the Apple Pan, an iconic greasy spoon near the UCLA campus.

Assuming he takes off the visor, does anyone notice?

And that’s the point.

Sure, Kelly is more familiar with and more comfortable with the Pac-12. He is likely to win at UCLA, and he might win big there (see his 46-7 record in four seasons at Oregon). But here’s the thing: he likely would have done that anywhere.

We’re going to see if, after five years away from the college game, he’s still the same disruptive force as his first time around. His “blur” offense is no longer unique, but it’s still effective – and those who know Kelly suggest he’s not tied to the hurry-up or even the spread, but rather always looking for the next innovation. Here’s betting he’ll be just fine.

In the end, Kelly took (according to reports) slightly less money for a slightly lesser job (though it has plenty of upside), But he had zero desire to be the King of Gainesville or the Governor of Knoxville. And it had less to do with concern about competition than with quality of life.

Even in Eugene, Ore., where he was the most recognizable face in a town that’s eaten up with the Ducks, Kelly seemed uncomfortable with the attention – and it was laid-back compared to some college towns.

In L.A., even if things go very, very well, Kelly will live a relatively anonymous life. He can run on Manhattan Beach or shop or dine – not that he does much of that, it’s mostly football – without being accosted. Even if he’s recognized, he’ll be just another minor celebrity in a town filled with actual stars.

And that’s just how Kelly would have it.

So when you hear he wasn’t a cultural fit for the SEC, don’t think about competition. Think instead about Saturday night at the Waffle House in Auburn. Kelly wouldn’t be caught dead anywhere near such a scene. Instead, he’ll try to win games 2,200 miles and light years away from that Southern spotlight.

Memories of chaos

When Pittsburgh upset No. 2 Miami (Fla.) 24-14 on Friday, it brought back memories of 10 years ago, when college football descended into utter chaos.

Remember when Pittsburgh knocked West Virginia out of the BCS championship game?

That Pittsburgh team was a four-touchdown underdog. West Virginia was ranked No. 2, headed to a shot at the national championship. And then suddenly the Mountaineers weren’t.

“There were other games that we lost that were disappointing,” Rodriguez said, “but I haven’t had any in my career that hurt worse than that. … It was disaster.”

The 13-9 loss was a cacophony of errors and injuries and, well, “It was just a total ‘what could go wrong went wrong’ kind of deal,” Rodriguez said, shaking his head even a decade later. “And you just felt awful afterwards.”

Clearly he still does.

At halftime Friday, with Pittsburgh leading Miami 10-7, Panthers coach Pat Narduzzi gave a brief history lesson to explain what was unfolding:

“Well, it happened to West Virginia where we knocked off No. 2, it happened in South Carolina and it’s happening in Pittsburgh today,” Narduzzi said.

Along with the 2007 win against West Virginia, he was referencing last year’s win at Clemson. And it was undoubtedly a big win for Pittsburgh, which finishes 5-7 with some momentum. But the upset bears a lot more resemblance to the 2016 upset than the 2007 stunner in this: Miami isn’t out of anything. If West Virginia’s loss to Pittsburgh was, as Rodriguez put it, “disaster” – this wasn’t.

“I still think there’s an awful lot to play for,” Miami coach Mark Richt said afterward, and he’s right.

Thanks to the doubling of college football’s postseason from two teams to four, the ACC championship matchup with Clemson remains a de facto College Football Playoff quarterfinal: Win, and the Hurricanes are in.

But even now, there’s still plenty of potential, whether in Charlotte or elsewhere, for disruption. Rodriguez isn’t rooting for it, necessarily. But he knows what it feels like.

“Conference championship games could add more chaos,” Rodriguez said. “It could be, ‘Oh, we had this team in the final four, what do we do now?’”

“I think this team deserves the opportunity to be in the Playoff by what they’ve been able to accomplish and what they’ve been able to do,” Saban said.

To even have a chance, Alabama needs Ohio State to beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship. Or TCU to beat Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship.

Or maybe both.

Even then, would the Crimson Tide be a lock? This will also seem strange even to contemplate, considering the program’s routine excellence over the last few years, but … what exactly has this team accomplished and done?

Alabama is 11-1. And despite not winning its own division, it would seem a very viable candidate to become a second SEC team in the four-team bracket if compared to, say, a two-loss Big Ten or Big 12 champion.

Say the comparison is with Ohio State, which was handled at home by Oklahoma and blown out by, um, Iowa (Iowa!). The Buckeyes would have just given Wisconsin its first loss – a better win than any Bama has. Who gets in? The only thing certain is there will be heated debate among two semi-passionate fan bases.

All season with Alabama, we’ve all applied the “eye test.” But the Tide’s early dominance belied the fact that the SEC is really down. The actual resume is not great.

It’s not Alabama’s fault that Florida State turned out to be at best mediocre. But you don’t get credit for intent. Alabama’s best win is against LSU. Mississippi State might remain a ranked opponent, if just barely – but it’s also a team that got pounded by both Georgia and Auburn.

And here’s potentially the most damaging thing: Auburn’s victory was not a fluke.

What does the selection committee think? And is there really, in fact, a “Bama bump”? If a couple of things happen in the conference championship games, we’ll find out.

Washington Huskies tight end Will Dissly (left) and defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) celebrate with the Apple Cup Trophy after a game against the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium. Jennifer Buchanan, USA TODAY Sports

Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) watches the football as he falls into the end zone after a tackle by Washington Huskies linebacker Benning Potoa'e (8) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Jennifer Buchanan, USA TODAY Sports

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) falls into the end zone for a touchdown reception as he's brought down by South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back JaMarcus King (7) in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Jeff Blake, USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bearcats running back Mike Boone breaks a tackle against Connecticut Huskies defensive back Tre Bell and scores a two point conversion in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports

Purdue Boilermaker linebacker Garrett Hudson and lineman Matt McCann celebrates along with the rest of his team after winning the Old Oaken Bucket by defeating the Indiana Hoosiers, 31-24, at Ross-Ade Stadium. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph leaps into the end zone for a touchdown while defended by Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Osaze Ogbebor during the second half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Rob Ferguson, USA TODAY Sports

Florida State Seminoles running back Cam Akers is congratulated by Florida State Seminoles offensive lineman Rick Leonard after scoring a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

Syracuse Orange running back Moe Neal is tackled by Boston College Eagles linebacker Ty Schwab and defensive back Will Harris during the second quarter of game at the Carrier Dome. Mark Konezny, USA TODAY Sports

Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver Alex Bachman holds up a finger on the way to the end zone after a reception in the second quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at BB&T Field. Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY Sports

Florida State Seminoles defensive back Levonta Taylor is congratulated by defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi after he intercepted the ball against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

Boston College Eagles defensive back Will Harris picks up and runs with a ruled lateral by the Syracuse Orange offense to score a touchdown during the second quarter of game at the Carrier Dome. Mark Konezny, USA TODAY Sports

Florida State Seminoles defensive back Levonta Taylor intercepted the ball and runs it back for a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

Boston College Eagles running back Jon Hilliman breaks a tackle by Syracuse Orange defensive back Scoop Bradshaw to score a touchdown during the first quarter of game at the Carrier Dome. Mark Konezny, USA TODAY Sports

Florida Gators running back Mark Thompson is congratulated as he scores a touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

UCF Knights kick returner Mike Hughes (19) runs back the kick 94 yards for the go-ahead score against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Spectrum Stadium. Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports

Missouri Tigers kicker Tucker McCann (19) kicks a field goal to take the lead in the final seconds of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Nelson Chenault, Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

This possible interception by South Florida Bulls safety Jaymon Thomas (18) over UCF Knights running back Adrian Killins Jr. (9) was negated by a penalty giving UCF a first down during the second half at Spectrum Stadium. Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports

South Florida Bulls wide receiver Tyre McCants drags UCF Knights linebacker Chequan Burkett into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter at Spectrum Stadium. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Each week, we select the College Football Playoff as though it began next week. (Note: It does not begin next week. But next week? We’ll know.)

1. Clemson – After blowing out in-state rival South Carolina, the Tigers are on to the ACC championship against Miami. Clemson’s strength remains its defense – but Kelly Bryant has morphed into a dangerous threat.

2. Oklahoma – Baker Mayfield and the Sooners completed the regular season by pummeling West Virginia. Now comes a rematch with TCU for the Big 12 championship.

3. Auburn – Twice in three weeks, Auburn has taken down the committee’s No. 1 team. “We’re No. 1!” Gus Malzahn told his team. Not quite (yet) – but the Tigers were the better team in both wins.

11.96 – Yards per play by Oklahoma in a 59-31 victory against West Virginia.

QUICK KICKS

- Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield’s punishment for making that obscene gesture a week earlier lasted two plays. He did not start and was not a team captain Saturday against West Virginia. Oklahoma needed only two snaps to score a touchdown after backup quarterback Kyler Murray raced 66 yards on the first play; Mayfield entered for Oklahoma’s second possession.

- You might have heard, Alabama-Birmingham didn’t play football the last couple of years. In their first year back, the Blazers finished 8-4. They’re going to a bowl game.

- Missouri extended its winning streak to six games by beating Arkansas. It’s a remarkable turnaround after starting 1-5 – even though, and this is remarkable, all six opponents in the winning streak finished with losing records.

- With a loss to Vanderbilt, Tennessee finished 4-8 – and went winless in conference play (0-8) for the first time since 1924.